Misano MotoGP: Valentino Rossi dedicates podium to Marco Simoncelli

Rossi had been very close with Simoncelli, who was killed in a crash in Malaysia on 23 October 2011.

Misano, Simoncelli's home track, was later renamed in his honour.

Rossi said his rostrum finish had also been special as it was his first in the dry for Ducati, and came in what will be his last race for the team on home soil before he rejoins Yamaha for 2013.

"This second place is special under a lot of views," Rossi said. "[The] first one is [that it came] here in Misano, very close to my home town, my home grand prix.

"The second [is that it came at] the circuit in the name of Marco, so I want to give him this result, I think he helped me.

"I'm very happy for him and his family."

Ducati supplied Rossi a new chassis and swingarm for the San Marino Grand Prix, and the Italian duly captured a second-row qualifying spot.

Despite his own fears about fading during the race he was able to maintain his pace and seal second, for which he paid tribute to Ducati's efforts.

"Also it is an important result for me, the team, all the guys who work for me and [have] never given up in difficult moments, and for Ducati," he added.

"The guys in Bologna have worked very hard for this project and now we arrive at a great race and a podium. Thanks to everyone, a great achievement."